EF Advantage

Executive Function Coaching for pre-K through college

Empowering successful and independent learners

Attention Training for Pre-K and Elementary School Students

Children need to learn important academic skills during the preschool and elementary school years. Being able to focus and pay attention during classroom instruction and homework is crucial for learning these skills well.

Attention Training helps children who are having trouble focusing and completing tasks. Attention Training uses game-like activities that are specifically designed to strengthen a child’s attentional skills. Repeated practice of these activities helps to strengthen the brain networks necessary for attention.

What attention training program will be used with my child?

The Pay Attention! program is used at EF Advantage. This is a structured program with activities tailored for children in pre-K and elementary school (ages 4-11 years). Pay Attention! targets four aspects of attention:

1. Sustained Attention – maintaining attention over time
2. Selective Attention – focusing on the main activity and avoiding distractions
3. Switching Attention – alternating attention between two activities, such as switching back and forth between addition and subtraction problems on a math paper
4. Divided Attention – working on two activities at the same time, such as listening to a teacher’s instructions while looking at the paper in front of you

Pay Attention! is not a computer program. It is personalized, one-on-one instruction. This allows the trainer to make sure that your child is on task and to encourage him or her through the activities. Attention strategies are also taught and practiced during the sessions.

Who will be working with my child?

Anjali Palav, PhD, the founder of EF Advantage, works directly with all students. Dr. Palav is a clinical neuropsychologist who has helped children and families understand learning and behavioral challenges for more than 10 years. To date, she has performed over 1,000 comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, including assessment of attention skills. Read more about Dr. Palav here.

How does Attention Training work?

Step 1 – A Comprehensive Intake

• Dr. Palav meets with you in person to learn more about your child and to discuss his or her needs in detail.
• Dr. Palav conducts introductory Pay Attention! exercises with your child to determine the baseline, or starting point, for training.

Step 2 – Regular Training Sessions

Once or twice a week, Dr. Palav works one-on-one with your child on Pay Attention! exercises. She closely monitors your child’s progress and introduces more difficult activities as your child’s skills improve. For example, distractions are added so that your child can practice these skills in conditions that are more similar to real-life settings.

Call 401-525-6987 or contact me with questions or to get started.